NAFO - EOM 5000 "Green to Gold" Ride Report

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Top_Speed1

Panama Canal Crosser
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Well, I'm a slacker compared to the likes of Fred W with his 'OTF' Ride Report. I just can't take away from the fun like he can to do a day by day as it happens RR. Sorry, this one will be pale in comparison, the RR does get better the further she goes. To keep the RR organized, not only for you but for my reference down the road... I will post each days RR on a post w a map of the route I (we) took. I got lots of pics and seeing how a post is limited by an image count, this seems more practical as well. Hope you enjoy our sights, activities and mayhem.

My Disclaimer? Take any pic or phrase you wish and have fun with it. Yes, I'm that kinda guy. All pics were taken by me or my close friends with either my camera or my phone. All are HD quality or better (graphics wise) but with photobucket degrading them anyway, does it really matter?.

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Color me backwards a bit first. If you read my Kick-off thread?... Well, you don't have to, but in a nutshell I had the best ribs in 'my' area (pic'd below). My food porn RTE goal (visiting some of the best BBQ locations on Earth) was to see how bad I could beat it down ...if at all of course. Well I guess we'll see in my future Days posts as Memphis and Nashville Food Porn hits here... but, it won't come into play for a few days yet. So my goal was to sample devour some of the finest Midwestern and Southern BBQ. Mucho thanks to many of the Food Network Shows, mainly Triple D (Diners, Drive-ins & Dives). Hey, Guy knows B-B-Q!

So my Local entree (Seneca Lake Bistro, Geneva NY)

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Lets get it going!

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DAY 1

Weds 9/17/14 (544 Miles)

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Pretty boring route for at least myself, has some on and off slab but more so on. I just went this exact route back in July for the MOA Nationals in Minneapolis. It would still be a new experience for my buddies that will accompany me. I routed thru Niagara Falls, entered in thru the Rainbow Bridge. Why? Simple. Early in the AM this has little to no traffic crossing into Canada. Ft. Erie has trucks. Lots of them, same as Lewiston. At 8:45am we breezed thru like we had nexxus passes.

Waiting for Steamer to show at my house; 6am, just getting a hint of light. Love this peaceful time!

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I had per-arranged with Mike (Wine Guy) to meet Stan and myself at the Blue Line Diner. Owned by hockey great (and legend) Marcel Dionne. The very friendly (and busty-busting out) waitress said she was his daughter (not sure if she was pulling our stick or not?). I picked this place from some yelp and urban spoon raving reviews. Not easy getting a good non touristy place to eat in N-Falls.

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Pretty early on in the trip, but this baby made my No.1 Breakfast!. Home-fries were def fresh cut 'tators, crispy and yes, I like my Ketchup
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Now granted, most of our Breakfasts in/on this trip were Continentals offered by the hotel/motels that we stayed at. We still got in some others as well, later gator. (and this saying has some meaning down the road)
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Next up, we had to gather in 2 more Kanadians, eh! We arranged to meet these prior ride buddies; Charlie and Owen, just outside the Woodstock rest-stop... (Steamer is always fiddling with some kind of baggage, and who knows with that boy)

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After crossing at Port Huron (Sarnia) I'll refrain from posting those images as both myself and Fred W have already covered this gig. So, we come across a joint named "Cheap Charlies". Well having our own Cheap Charlie along with us, we had to stop here for lunch...

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The food wasn't worth any FP imagery (normal pub grub) but Mike was going around shooting up the walls. I was thinking... "man, we need to get this guy out more often!"

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I routed away from slab fer awhile. Once we got back on and heading up North past Saganaw MI, ....boring! I think the guys were falling asleep on me.

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We made it in to our bed-down spot; the Comfort Inn (Gaylord MI) at sun-down and just as the guys were thinking... "Showers" "Beer" "Food". C'mon KJ, get some stuff a rolling! And, Canadians need good guidance and direction... if ya didn't know
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Across the street we walk to a Beer Store. How convenient!? (Did I mention I stayed here a Month ago when I went to Minny?) lol. We opt for the 8% brews. Hey, we needed a quick fix and how better than 8% pound+er's. They weren't very good, but it quenched pretty good until we walked about a 1/2 mile down the road to an Applebee's

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We were walking, no limit type of night.

L->R Mike (Wine Guy) - KJ (TS1) - Stan (Steamer) - Owen (Owen) - Charlie (Huey Lewis). Yes, it's hip to be square! and I think we sang that song to our waitress!
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So we trained it back to our Comfort Inn (insert Sheep jokes here). It was a great start to the trip. Not a lot of riding pics... yet!
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This was still a point A to B thingy.

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So that was Day 1 of 12. Pretty much straight forward as to what we had to get done. We did hop in the jacuzzi when we returned to our motel, I'll spare you those images. Stan did say "hey, I'm the only buff one in this bunch!". I LMAO, he says it so serious!

Navigation:

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Day 1 Central NY to Gaylord MI

Day 2 Gaylord MI to LaCrosse WI

Day 3 & 4 NAFO Rally

Day 5 LaCrosse WI to Hannibal MO

Day 6 Hannibal MO to Fayetteville AR

Day 7 Fayetteville AR to Memphis TN

Day 8 Memphis TN to Nashville TN

Day 9 Nashville TN to Maggie Valley NC

Day 10 EOM Rally

Day 11 EOM Rally

Day 12 Maggie Valley NC to Central NY

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DAY 2

Thurs 9/18/14 (511 Miles)

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I had a surprise lunch location planned for the boys today. That was about it, well, other than to get to LaCrosse for a 7pm welcome dinner. We started out in some light rain. Dark and nasty and it was in the mid to upper 40's is all. The rain stopped before the long bridge into the UP. Actually got nice,started to clear but still cold!

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We had a breakfast stop that was none to early, maybe about 25 miles once over the bridge. The boys (and myself) were chilly!

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I went easy (Oatmeal) and got my fiber in for the day
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Lake Michigan Shoreline was a pretty ride...

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Getting warmer! In both temps and my secret Lunch location.

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So welcome to Lambeau Field feller's. This is home to the famous "Frozen Tundra!"

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And we pulled right up as you can see. A tour bus came in right after us full of elders with cameras in hand. Sure glad we visited here before the grub. It's such a historic place, football fan or not, it's a place that is on the must see map. My Canadian guests were as much involved and interested as well. Kinda surprised? ...but as Mikey said "this is awesome KJ, thanks for putting this on our route!". No problem Mike, Charlie, Owen and Stan. It was a fun and very special by motorcycle visit.
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The locals didn't know I was really a Die-Hard Vikings fan!

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So just down a block sits our lunch spot. I selected it thru Yelp & Urban Spoon, with all very good reviews (along with taking in the Packer & Lambo mystique).

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Being a Thursday at Noon? We had the place almost to ourselves
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Inside we find activity....

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Lunch was the Meat Loaf and at only $5.99!; recommended by our very friendly (Southern) waitress. Sorry, no waitress pix Paul (XWinger)
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Upon leaving, I find out that this is a big weekend in which the Vikes/Pack game is tonight (Thurs 10/2 as of this writing). Minny's Rookie QB can hardly walk with a sprained ankle, I'm not giving my team much hope. It could get ugly~ (I sure hope not of course!). SKOL Vikings!

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Making our way over to LaCrosse, we catch Charlie shedding some of the colder weather gear...

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The Wisconsin views were look'n pretty good
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We had one last stop before shooting into LaCrosse. Darkness was coming upon us quickly and we still had 100 mi to go. Well, at this time, I pretty much knew we would not make the 7pm welcome dinner with the rest of the gang.

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So upon checking in, we ask the desk clerk "where is a good local spot for a burger and a bump?" (and as I find out below, it should be a 'Bump and a Burger!'). Anyway, the desk girl gave us a very strange look, we laughed. Hey, It's our whacky humor, roll with it
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1 Block away we find the Tom Sawyer Inn. It was also Karaoke nite (yuk!) but at least it was in another room from the bar area to where we ate.

The Bump...

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The Burger...

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Navigation:

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Day 1 Central NY to Gaylord MI

Day 2 Gaylord MI to LaCrosse WI

Day 3 & 4 NAFO Rally

Day 5 LaCrosse WI to Hannibal MO

Day 6 Hannibal MO to Fayetteville AR

Day 7 Fayetteville AR to Memphis TN

Day 8 Memphis TN to Nashville TN

Day 9 Nashville TN to Maggie Valley NC

Day 10 EOM Rally

Day 11 EOM Rally

Day 12 Maggie Valley NC to Central NY

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I didn't think you had such high standards KJ. Whatsamatter? Store bought ones aren't good enough for ya?
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We didn't stay there, just our breakfast hole. But the Comfort Inn in Gaylord MI probably wasn't much better.

Mike- Haven't seen you in quite awhile? No trippies?

 
Where I come from once you have the bump... you're not hungry for the burger. lol!

I'm enjoying your report, KJ. Thanks for sharing.

 
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DAY 3

Fri 9/19/14 (NAFO Rally, LaCrosse WI)

First off, I would like to thank all the NAFO volunteers/workers/swag team and especially Mr. Rick Corwin. Rick had things very well organized, every-time I saw him, he was always organizing, carrying his clipboard around or chatting about something related to the Rally (just to make us ding-dongs happy-happy).

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Friday AM, no Steamer, WTF, he's MIA!

I walk out to the lobby after our provided free Continental breakfast (no FP pics needed!) and I see and meet a nice fellow named Mark. He looked a bit corn-fused and I asked him what route he was taking today. He explained him and another fellow just met are wondering what and where to go. I told him I would help him select one of the routes, he then shyly said "well, I don't have a GPS". He proceeded to tell me some things about him like he's a children's entertainer and he does this via traveling with his guitar on his FJR!. I was immediately intrigued and told him that he was welcome to come along in my group. I had 4 total prior without the Steamer, so we could fit him in and still be under my max that I like for a day ride.

... hey, this guy wasn't a kidding!

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I also then met Dave (from Minny) who was to ride with him, and they just met as well prior. He was a seasoned touring guy (after some chatting with him) and I explained briefly to him about our ride style and the days ride (our plan anyways). He said he was game, we now were at 6 bikes, pretty much my max that I like to lead. So off we go on the one of the River Loops...

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After a measly 25 miles or so, we come upon a vista view pull-off area on top of one of the Bluffs. We get our cameras out and my FJR musician guy comes walking up to me and looks down at the rear of my bike and say "What's that?!". Now I don't know him at all, and at this point I'm hoping he's a joke-ster and I simply reply "A flat?" (as I walk towards the rear). I'm hoping he's a wise guy ball buster. He wasn't, dang-it Mark, why couldn't you just be entertaining me, hey, I'm a child at heart!

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After unscrewing it, I find a 5/16" x 3.5" Lag bolt. Crap!

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I had just bought one of those new Mushroom plug kits, I also carry a mini Aerostitch compressor. No problem! well, so I thought?. After inserting the mushroom with assistance from Dave (you got to twist the crap out of the loading canister to push the shroom thru!). Done, Inflated... and, I find it's bubbling air (used spit), Guess the hole was too big for the shroom plug. Dave quickly says he has some sticky string! Nice, the old stand by! He inserts 2 into the tire, I notice that it wasn't inserted inside as far as I have done in the past. Hey, I go with it as it was his kit and insertion.

I inflate and off we go, butttttt..... It only lasted about 5 miles and my TPM was flashing red and I noticed the rear tire was at 30lbs. Bust me all you want on the expensive Beemer, but, here it might of paid for some of that offset, maybe saved my life as we were starting in on some nice curves. With this feature, I didn't panic, I was however locked on (digitally) to my dash display... the rear was going down about a LB/second, I swiftly coasted to the side of the road.

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We now needed a pickup of more string, my buddy Mike called up his GPS and kindly offered to go fetch some! (Walmart was close by!) I have him get me string refills. This time I insert 2 strings about 7/8 of teh way in before I retract the needle inserted. I also took my thumb and forefinger to squeeze off the compound when pulling out the inserter. I was trying to leave a large enough ball of compound inside being it was such a big hole.

After all the screwing around, we found a nice lunch hole. I told the guys they could go on without me (earlier) on the roadside but none wanted to bail. They said "We are sticking with you KJ!". Good dedication from my bunch, so the lunch tab was on me.

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I rode like I had a new tire, pretty confident and with the TPM monitoring on my dash... that was a deal maker for sure. Rode kind of aggressive I guess, but I was kinda ticked we missed about half the loop b/c of the mishap. Also felt bad for my riding compadres as they got their riding day mileage trimmed down as well. Oh the PR2 that got the lag?... new before this trip. Ugh!

So knowing I still have almost 4K more to go on this trip, I call Two Brothers Motorsports in LaCrosse to see if they have a Michelin (any PR) in a 190-55/17. I'm not fat siding, that's the OEM spec'd size for my Beemer. They were very nice on the phone and in person and had me come in but he said as soon as you could and before 4:30. Crap! We are out on the loop at least 100mi away at this time. I reroute to the shop, my buddies want to follow me? I guess they're devoted or just wanna see the 2 Bros shop?

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Made it by 4:27pm. Close! During the install, I proceed to see what real slab comfort feels like... hey, If I was not going for aggressive an sporty, this would be my bark-a-lounger for sure!

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I asked to see the inside of my tire (so I could sensehow much compound I got into the tire). Looked great!, and TBH, I probably could of made the whole trip with it.... but, better to be safe than sorry! $347 with taxes, disposal etc. Yikes! But you don't get a big fancy showroom by giving things away.

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DAY 4

Sat 9/20/14 (NAFO Rally, LaCrosse WI)

The AM started out with rain. We kinda slacked around a bit knowing the radar was looking up.

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Greg (Geezer) and most were heading off to 2-Brothers Shop for their open house, but we were just there 12hrs ago so my group passed. Mark talking with Greg was rounding up another ride group as he said "No offense KJ, you just ride too fast". I was kinda hurt, I wish he had said something to me during the ride, I go with the flow and would of kindly slowed up. Sorry Mark! I truly enjoyed your company, at least for the one day.

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The beautiful Ms. Tyler; all suited up with someplace to go!

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So I gathered up our group, I asked Mark's new friend Dave (brotha Dave from Minny-sow-tah) if he was going with Mark or riding again with us? And, if I was going to aggressively I would slow down?. "No!" says brotha Dave, you guys are perfect, I'm still rolling with you!. As said, I will and can adjust to my group, no problem. I was still was looking for Stan. No where to be found, booze is a terrible thing people!

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We were starting to get into some nice roads...

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And at a rest stop (plus inspection of the new tire)... No flats, everything is going awesome!

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I did say the roads were looking better, didn't I?
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Lunch stop we find this place, but we nix it... upon walking in. So we keep our bikes parked there (sorry!) and walk across the street to a better looking food hole.

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KJ - Owen - Mike - Charlie - Brotha Dave (No Steamer, he doesn't like us anymore!)

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We finish off the day seeing lots of Harley's
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It was a good loop up North and no mishaps, everyone was happy and nobody said I went too fast. Successful day!
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As we get back to the Days Inn, we find Andy (bikergeek) sporting up some new socks
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That's Griff - Petey and Airboss in the b/g.

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We find Stan the Steamer has arrived, crazy bastard. He's got stories a mile long. That boy ain't right and that's a fact jack! (okay, not my line... you duck-d lovers)

So.... I put this pic up on my Facebook. My g/f Debbie comments "Hey, you guys have a bowling team!?" then the next two comments were about how we probably only were bowling only for an excuse to drink! ...hehe, like we need an excuse! SO... the term "Bowling Shirt" lived from that moment on. Ya gotta love FB.

Steamer - KJ - Mikey

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Navigation:

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Day 1 Central NY to Gaylord MI

Day 2 Gaylord MI to LaCrosse WI

Day 3 & 4 NAFO Rally

Day 5 LaCrosse WI to Hannibal MO

Day 6 Hannibal MO to Fayetteville AR

Day 7 Fayetteville AR to Memphis TN

Day 8 Memphis TN to Nashville TN

Day 9 Nashville TN to Maggie Valley NC

Day 10 EOM Rally

Day 11 EOM Rally

Day 12 Maggie Valley NC to Central NY

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